MTD 21A-340-100 - Manual (Page 8)

Wheel Yoke in
this position
for deep tilling
Wheel Yoke in this
position for shallow
tilling, cultivating and
transport
Figure 10
2. Depth Stake Adjustment: The depth stake acts
as a brake for the tiller and controls the depth
and speed at which the machine will operate.
Remove the clevis pin and hairpin clip to raise or
lower depth stake. See Figure 9.
By increasing the depth of the depth stake, the
forward speed of the machine is reduced, and the
working depth is increased. See Figure 11. When
the depth stake is raised, the working depth of the
machine is reduced and the forward speed is
increased. The working depth of the machine may
be predetermined by setting the depth stake and
wheels so that the wheels are about four inches from
the ground when the tines and depth stake are
resting on the ground. This setting will permit a
working depth of about four inches. When presetting
the working depth, the handles should be adjusted
so the hand grips are a little above waist height
because the tiller will be lower when the tines and
depth stake penetrate the ground.
Slow Forward
Figure 11
When tilling, leave approximately 8 inches of unfilled
soil between the first and second tilling paths, then
make the third path between the first and second as
shown in Figure 12. In some soils, the desired depth
is obtained the first time over the garden. In other
soils, the desired depth is obtained by going over the
garden two or three times. In the latter case, the
depth stake should be lowered before each
succeeding pass over the garden. Passes should be
made across the length and width of the garden
alternately. Rocks which are turned up should be
removed from the garden area.
3. Handle Pressure: Further control of tilling depth
and travel speed can be obtained by variation of
pressure on the handles. A downward pressure
on the handles will reduce the working depth
and increase the forward speed. An upward
pressure on the handles will increase the
working depth and reduce the forward speed.
The type of soil and working conditions will
determine the actual setting of the depth stake
and the handle pressure required.
Figure 12